SPS Admissions 2021

Thank you for considering the Special Programme in Science (SPS) as part of your university endeavours. SPS offers an exciting multidisciplinary curriculum that encompasses research, active peer-learning, and student mentorship. In many ways, SPS is more than just a classroom; we are a close-knit community that works hard and plays hard!

We are interested in individuals with a passion for science and a dedication to learn. All applicants will be required to go through a 25-min interview with the SPS Mentor body. Through this interview, we hope to understand you better and decide if SPS is the right programme for you.

The application is open only to NUS College of Humanities and Science students matriculating in the upcoming academic year (AY 2021/22). The following majors listed below are eligible to apply to SPS:

1. Chemistry
2. Data Science and Analytics
3. Environmental Studies
4. Food Science and Technology
5. Life Sciences
6. Mathematics
7. Pharmaceutical Science
8. Physics
9. Quantitative Finance
10. Statistics

Applicants are required to complete the following as part of the SPS Admissions process:

1. Submit an application form
2. Attend an interview
3. Confirm their acceptance of the enrolment offer, if one is given

1. Application portal is open till 23 July 2021
2. Interviews are held between 12 and 30 July 2021
3. Results of SPS Admissions are released between 3 and 4 August 2021

All applicants will receive their results via the email address provided in the application form. As the result would be released after the university’s module registration exercise, please register for your modules as though you are not accepted into SPS. Upon acceptance, further instructions on the module management would be issued.

• Grades certificate for your degree of highest qualifications (PDF)
• Passport photograph (JPG)
• A write-up 250 characters or less about your personal hobbies/interests
• A write-up 500 characters or less about why you are applying to SPS

Each applicant is required to attend a 25-minute interview via a Zoom Meeting (a web conferencing tool). The interview will be recorded for administrative purposes. Details regarding the interview format are as follows:

• • Interview Format
    There are three segments to the interview.
    • Introduction (~10 minutes)

    This segment aims to allow us to get you better, such as your academic background, interest in science and research and reasons for applying to SPS. Other details such as commitments and hobbies will also be discussed.

    • Science Topic Discussion (~10 minutes)

    This segment involves discussion of topics in the natural or mathematical sciences between the candidate and the interview panel. Candidates are encouraged to share one or several topics that they are interested in. Critical thinking abilities, communication skills, passion in research and scientific knowledge will be assessed.

    • Clarifications and Administrative Debrief (~5 minutes)

    This segment offers a chance for you to ask questions or clarify any aspects of the SPS Admissions that may be unclear to you. Some administrative details will also be provided.

  • Interview Scheduling

  Someone from the scheduling team will call you within 5 working days of the receipt of your full application to schedule an interview with you between 12 and 30 July 2021. Details of the interview date and time, and Zoom meeting link will be emailed to you. The interview will be held during working hours from 9am to 6pm. If you need to reschedule after an interview slot has been offered to you, please email us at applications@sps.nus.edu.sg.

  • Interview Etiquette
  1. 1. Please arrive at the Zoom waiting room at least 5 minutes before the scheduled interview is stipulated to begin.
     2. Video is to be turned on.
     3. Dress appropriately. Smart casual is recommended.
     4. Ensure surroundings are quiet. Find a quiet spot where you are unlikely to be interrupted. Place mobile phones and desktop notifications on mute.